Ekiti Varsity Unveils N1bn Fund To Empower Agro-tech

The Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, has disclosed the launch of a N1bn Innovation Fund set aside to empower agro-tech enterprises founded by the university’s students and graduates.

According to a statement, this was disclosed by Olowolafe at the 28th convocation of the Ekiti State University, which took place on April 3-4, 2024.

While speaking, Olowolafe stressed the urgent need to drive innovation and enterprise in agriculture to bolster food security across Nigeria.

According to him, “Agriculture stands as the backbone of our nation, and it is here that I see the greatest potential for innovation and economic prosperity.

“The N1bn Innovation Fund is designed to empower agro-tech companies founded by present graduands and students of our great Ekiti State University.”

The chancellor further proposed the optimisation of the university’s fertile lands for agricultural purposes, which would enable students to lease small plots and gain hands-on experience in farming, while simultaneously earning a living.

He said, “Today Your Excellency, the general discussion in Nigeria is about cost of living and food security. All of us eat. But many of us do not spend time thinking about what we eat, how it is produced and how it gets to our table. These are very important questions.

“Each student can lease a small plot of land for production. As we learn to pass our exams, we can also use these farms to eat and earn a living.

“My view is regardless of what we are studying at university, we must all think about how we can do our bit to produce food. This means both the academic and student faculties must come together to think and act.“